But, it does eliminate one actual worry I had, which was that we'd lock up home-field early, and then have several weeks where we're playing for nothing. I think that kind of wait can lead to players getting rusty and undisciplined. Odd as it sounds, if we had 2 games that had no effect followed by a bye week, I don't think we'd be very sharp in the playoffs.

Instead, we are going to be playing 3 games that matter, almost no matter how we do on these games. Even if we win next week, we have Denver and NE to worry about to get a bye, and we have to play to win in the following week. If NE continues their roll (and I don't see why not), winning out is the only way we are likely to get HF advantage. I honestly think we'll do best in the playoffs if we've played all the games hard, and then get one bye week.

All of that seems kind of ridiculous to think about after tonight's performance, but we still control our destiny. Our team is capable of winning out (though not if they play like tonight), and if we do, we have HF advantage in the playoffs. I'd love to have a chance at revenge against the Patriots in Houston.

Another good thing is it sets things back to normal in the football world. Brady & Manning are back on top. Packers & Giants in control. The only thing that could make the media happier is if Roethlisberger wins the AFC North & Dallas sneaks into the playoffs. I think the media was scared the Texans might actually be the best team. Now the only way that can happen is the Texans winning the Superbowl.

The only positive I see about this is that maybe it makes the Texans angry enough to go out and rip the Colts and Vikings a pair of new ones and we sew up HFA.

Then if we cross paths with these guys again the Texans will face them at home and if being beaten 42-7 doesn't motivate them enough to man-up in the rematch then nothing will.

I'm angry enough right now to beat the Colts and Vikings myself. Click the link to hear the kind of speech the team needs to hear before the next 3 games start. Not for young ears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw7KijRfU-c

I'm just not sure if the Texans match up well with the Pats regardless of where we play. I don't think a rematch would be such a blowout, but it feels to me like the Pats exploited some major flaws on our team.

I'm just not sure if the Texans match up well with the Pats regardless of where we play. I don't think a rematch would be such a blowout, but it feels to me like the Pats exploited some major flaws on our team.

Not with our injuries and especially not in NE with the early calls going their way.

I feel better about this game at home.

We need to take care of business and finish up with a 3 game winning streak.

Talk radio is going to be brutal tomorrow. Think I'll just listen to a CD book instead.

This is a good learning experience for us. We have been able to get away with not showing up for a few quarters but still win the game. It's a good reminder of how being unfocused really kills you against a good team.